Kids rule when it comes to prioritizing life.  A baby that wants to be fed does not understand the need for mom to pay for the groceries first.  The two-year old who has to use the potty wins over the dad’s who desires to wait until the last inning of a baseball game to go to the rest room.  Seldom do the priorities of an adult trump a child’s innocent demands.  The child wins, plain and simple.

I remember when my daughter, Laura, was four years old and she accompanied me on a forty-five minute drive through rush hour traffic to pick up my husband’s pay check from his place of employment.  After many “Are we there yet?” inquiries, we finally made it to our destination.

Since we had been in the car beyond what my daughter considered reasonable, I decided we would stop at the Top Value Stamp store just up the street, so that I could redeem the few books I had accumulated and she could stretch her legs.

For those who do not know, these stamps were small paper coupons given to customers by merchants.  The stamps could be redeemed for toys, personal items, household items and appliances when a book was filled.

With her inseparable companion, a tattered, stuffed dog named Henry, tucked safely under her arm, Laura proceeded to walk around the store looking at the many items.  It took about twenty minute to decide on my selection.  When I finished, we left the store to make the long drive back to our house.

It was nearly dark by the time we arrived in front of the mobile home.  I unhooked the belt from Laura’s car seat and helped her out of the car.

We almost made it to the front door when Laura began whaling at the top of her lungs.

“Henry’s sleeping in the baby bed.” She sobbed uncontrollably as the tears flowed down her cheeks.

There was no need to go any further.  We turned around, got back in the car and drove another forty-five minutes to retrieve the lovable mutt.  We arrived five minutes before the store closed and rushed inside.  Sure enough, as peaceful as a slumbering child, Henry laid in the display baby bed with his head nestled on a pillow and a blanket snuggled up to his brown nose.

Parents know the kid rules when it comes to prioritizing the important things in life.